Senators React to State of the Union

New York’s senators each sent out a statement within minutes of President Obama delivering the last lines of his State of the Union address.

Senator Charles Schumer praised the president’s commonsense call for trimming the federal budget and creating jobs, without cutting programs that could hurt the American Dream.

“The President has offered a balanced approach that hopefully can garner bipartisan support. He is aware of the need to rein in spending but also the need to grow jobs, the economy and middle class paychecks. It makes sense to cut programs that are wasteful and unnecessary, but grow the programs that are needed to preserve the American dream. The President showed the kind of optimism that America relishes, thrives on and believes in.”

Senator Kirsten Gillibrand cited the 9/11 health care bill–which she helped shepherd to passage during the lame-duck session last month–as an example of the kind of bipartisan work that might be possible in this Congress.

“This last election was not a mandate for any one political party. It was a mandate for action. President Obama laid out a bold vision for this Congress. It is time to come together and work to create jobs across America.

“I firmly believe that Congress is capable of putting politics aside and coming together to forge solutions. The way we fulfilled our moral obligation to the survivors and heroes of 9/11 is a testament to Congress’ ability to work together and do what is right.

“We need to continue the spirit of goodwill that led us to that victory. We need to keep working together, not as Democrats or Republicans, but as Americans who are committed to a growing economy and a better future for America’s middle class.”